An Evening With Chef Emmanuel Stroobant & U.S Potatoes

 Let's just all admit it : we have a die-hard love for potatoes! As Malaysians, there seems to be a potato dish at any meal in any household on any given day! Think about it, we have hash browns in the morning during breakfast, some mashed potatoes during lunch with some fried chicken, a bag of potato crisps as snacks, chunks of potatoes in our curry dinner, and maybe some french fries for supper/yimcha sessions/beer time.

That's pretty much why it is so darn important to have quality potatoes when having them! So, the next time you're at the supermarket, pick up some USA Potatoes. Potatoes USA is the marketing organization for the 2,500 commercial potato growers operating in the United States.  They promote five main good quality potato products: fresh table-stock potatoes, fresh chipping potatoes, seed potatoes, frozen potato products and dehydrated potato products.

As proof that the humble potato can also be a star ingredient in a world-class restaurant or even in your own home, is Chef Emmanuel Stroobant!

Born in Belgium, he took a chance in 1997 and decided to make Kuala Lumpur his first stop and after a few years of grueling hard work, he was awarded the "1999 Best Expatriate Chef' by World Asia Media.It will be in that same year, Chef Emmanuel and his wife Edina move to Singapore to open their first restaurant that will become a Michelin star restaurant and the only Singapore member of the world renown Relais & Chateaux- a prestigious association of the world's finest hotels and restaurants.

Here in Shangrila Resort, Kota Kinabalu, he showcased his culinary skill, wit, humor and love for food. Demonstrating in detail how he would use USA potatoes as the main ingredient for 4 dishes.
Let's get to it!

US Potato Wedges with Ikura

Eggs Benedict with Hashbrown

Us Potato with Caviar

US Russet Potato Salad with Squid

Stunning in execution, presentation and taste! Loved how Chef Stroobant was able to explain and describe each dish he made with such enthusiasm and passion! I was definitely a believer now that something as simple as a US Potato can really bring a dish to another level and boy, am i ready to impress my friends and family during the next dinner hosted in my home!

It's pretty sad to know that potatoes have had such a bad rep in recent years as a food item to avoid while on a diet or on a journey to healthier eating habits. Consultant Dietitian and founder/owner of Indra Balaratnam Nutrition, gave a insightful talk on all the nutritional benefits of US Potatoes!

Did you know that potatoes are a rich source of iron and vitamin C? They give just as much energy as a banana too! It's a pretty eye-opening talk that Indra gave us, totally debunked so many myths that surrounded the potato.

Thank you to the good people of USA Potatoes! It was an enjoyable and educational night on a misunderstood vegetable. I can't wait to experiment with new recipes with my bag of USA Potatoes!

U.S. Fries Fiesta Debuts In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The Potatoes USA has kicked off its U.S. Fries Fiesta campaign in Kota Kinabalu from 15 June to 15 July 2019.

According to Potatoes USA’s country rep, Eddie Saw, “We are bringing the U.S. Fries Fiesta for the first time to Kota Kinabalu this year as there are many creative and fantastic chefs there that have managed to combine the quality imported products like U.S. fries together with the wide range of local ingredients from Sabah to produce exciting dishes for the locals and tourists. 

Dreamtel Hotel's Paratha Wrap with Lattice fries

“A promotion such as this will help to bring out another side to the culinary range that Kota Kinabalu has to offer.  We’d like to highlight to the growing pool of food enthusiasts in East and West Malaysia, especially lovers of fries, that there are great food & beverage outlets that they should try,” said Eddie.   

i-Degree Restaurant's Lattice Cut with Tomato Salsa Canape

Altogether, 9 outlets in Kota Kinabalu are participating in the U.S Fries Fiesta campaign, all serving up unique and tantalizing dishes using U.S. fries varieties.

U.S. Fries Fiesta participating outlets in Kota Kinabalu

Outlet names	Names of US Fries Dishes
I Degree Restaurant & Cafe	U.S. Lattice Cut with Tomato Salsa Canape U.S. Lattice Cut with Creamy Ham and Cheese Canape
The Chub’s Grill	Chub’s Chicken & Waffles with U.S. Straight Cut Fries Chub’s Loaded U.S. Tater Tots
Zinox Bar & Grill	U.S. Potato Bomb U.S. Potato Bone Marrow
The Next Block Restaurant	U.S. Skin-On Waffles Fries with Caramelized Onions & Cheese Mushroom Ragu U.S. Skin-On Waffles Fries Trio Burger Sliders
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu	U.S. Lattice Cut with Smoked Beef and Salted Egg Sauce Curry U.S. Skin-On Flat Chips with Bambangan Dip
High Street Cafe	Baked Cheese Meatballs with U.S. Sidewinder Fries U.S. Crinkle Cut with Bolognese
Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu	Dreamtel Beef Burger Chili Con Carne Gravy with U.S. Sidewinder Fries Dreamtel Paratha Wrap with U.S. Lattice Cut
ZING Restaurant & Bar	Sausage Lollipop with U.S. Potato U.S. Skin-On Flat Chips Munchies
Lucy’s Kitchen	U.S. Skin-On Flat Chips Nachos Beef Taco with U.S. Curly Fries

Arguably an unprecedented campaign dedicated to fries, the campaign is two-pronged in objectives. First, it’s to stimulate excitement amongst the trade to be as creative as they can with creating various culinary presentations with U.S. fries, exciting their customers, especially frozen potato lovers.

High Street Cafe's BakedCheese Meatballs with Sidewinder Fries

The public, in turn who visit and dine at these participating restaurants have a unique opportunity to relish different U.S. fries served with a scrumptious repertoire of dishes. 

Hyatt Regency's Curry US Skin-on Flat Chips with Bambangan Dip

Malaysians love their fries and know how to appreciate good fries.  Malaysia is one of the 6th largest export markets for U.S. frozen potatoes in Asia.  “The U.S. Fries Fiesta will showcase various exciting dishes made with U.S. fries.  One of the highlights of this Fiesta is that it provides an opportunity for the public to acquaint themselves to the different U.S. fry varieties.  Many of these outlets are offering new cuts of U.S. fries for the first time.

Zing's Sausage Lollipops with US Potatoes

“We want to create the ultimate gastronomic satisfaction for Malaysian consumers and provide them the opportunity to savour the “best fries served with tasty dishes” via the U.S. Fries Fiesta in Kota Kinabalu,” said Eddie.

There will also be a Facebook contest where the public can win dining vouchers on a weekly basis with a grand prize of an Ipad at the end of contest.  All they need to do is to order one US Fries Fiesta dish from one of the participating outlets and post a creative caption and photo of the U.S Potatoes dish with #MYPotatoesUSA

Lucy Kitchen's Beef Tacos with Curly Fries

Potatoes are not just good to eat, but good for health. It is a perfect food for all ages and cultures, a weaning food for babies, a great accompaniment and ingredient in all types of cuisine be it baked, roasted, braised, pan fried or mashed.

The Chub's Chicken & Waffles with Straight Cut Fries

With just 110 calories, one medium skin-on potato provides 45% of your daily value of vitamin C and more potassium than a banana. It provides fiber and other vitamins and minerals. Potatoes have absolutely no fat and are sodium-free, gluten-free and cholesterol-free. Potatoes have 60 phytochemicals with antioxidant properties which helps protect cells from free radical damage and prevents cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems and certain cancers.

Zinox's US Potato Bombs

Be prepared to enjoy U.S fries and burgers like never before!

For even more pictures of the new potato creations, check them all out on my Instagram.

 For more information on the U.S. Fries Fiesta, please call Kent Low or Eddie Saw at (03) 8070-7216.

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs and Good Times with Friends at Morganfields, Imago Mall

I know sometimes it's really frustrating to find a place big enough to cater your big group of friends and family for a special occasion! And you gotta worry about whether the food and drinks are delicious enough to satisfy everyone! 

Worry no more, my lovely Sabahans! 

Here is some new and good western food in Kota Kinabalu. 

I checked out Morganfields in Imago Mall just a few days ago and these are what i recommend! 

Only for the month of May, Morganfields in Imago Mall will be rolling out this limited edition Kaamatan platter that consists of all the local favorites! Try out the Hinava, grilled fish, Tuhau, Bambangan, BBQ pork, fragrant rice, potato chips, and assorted chilli lime sauce! This is a great option if you don't want to go through the traffic jam and push through hundreds of sweaty bodies in KDCA bazaar just to enjoy these local delicacies. 

The star of Morganfields share platter has got to be the Rib Sampler (RM229.90). This tray is huge! My party of 5 pax had a hard time finishing this! So be sure to share! 

Let me tell you what is in it :-

3 slabs of spare ribs 

Corn on a cob 

Farmer's Bratwurst footlong

Spicy Devil Sausage

Herby Hog Sausage

Crunchy french fries

Garden Salad

Cornbread 

Also, you have 5 choices of flavors for the Spare Ribs:

Garlicky BBQ

Hickory BBQ

Smoked Peppercorn

Asian Charred

Rib Rub

Personally, I loved the Asian Rub and Garlicky BBQ! 

Top picks from the Morganfields Ala Carte menu! 

Clock wise from the top

• Mussels Kilpatrick (RM24.90) is 6 imported green mussels topped with smoky bacon bits and cherry tomatoes.
• Roasted Pork Belly (RM22.90) is a premium slab of pork belly rubbed with assorted spices and roasted to bloody perfection!Crunchy skin on top, juicy meat at the bottom. 
• Seafood Chowder (RM16.90) is super creamy, and has assorted seafood, corn kernels, seaweed and crunchy croutons! 
• Smokin' Duck Salad (RM32.90) has Century Egg in it! So weird but so delicious! Love the creativity! 
• Bacon Wrapped Meatballs (RM17.90) are little flavor bombs! Pop one of these in your mouth and enjoy the crunchy smoky bacon and the yummy meatball! 

Initially, i thought this was going to be too sweet for my liking but it turned out really light and so enjoyable! My favorite of all the Southern Fruit Teas(RM16.90) by Morganfields in Imago Mall is the Rasberry one. Chilled tea is infused with the fragrance and sweetness of chopped fruits and served topped with a scoop of natural fruit sorbet! Very light, not too sweet but so so fragrant! 

They have 6 flavor altogether :

• Raspberry
• Kalamansi
• Mango
• Lychee
• Passionfruit
• Green Apple 

Something fizzy and zesty to refresh you instantly without the help of alcohol is the Virgin Apple Mojito (RM16.90)! Fresh green apples, limes chunks, mint leaves in lemon lime soda. This gave me sweeet relief in the unbelievable heat of Kota Kinabalu. 

This mocktail had a very beachy feel to it. Waikiki (Rm14.90) is a concoction of passionfruit syrup, pineapple chunks, milk and pineapple juice. Sip on this while you reminiscence on your last beachside holiday.  

For more pictures and details, kindly check out my Facebook Photo Album : 

https://tinyurl.com/y3yflpqe

Here is the location of Morganfields, Imago Mall 

https://goo.gl/maps/Dut4esbvM5sdf7hq6

Contact them to make your reservations or for enquiries,

+60 88 274 281 

New Year Celebrations at the Hilton

Spend more time with family and friends as we say goodbye to 2018 and welcome 2019 with

Urban Kitchen’s dinner and high tea buffet, specially crafted just for the evening and party the

night away at Rooftop Poolside!

Buffet Selections for the New Year!

Lookout for Chef’s specialties of poached whole salmon, seafood and chicken terrine and

smoked fish and meats cold cuts in its New Year’s Eve spread. With its extensive selections

of appetizers, mains and desserts, you are surely equipped to enjoy an after-dinner countdown

party!

Head on over for high tea on New Year’s Day 

and enjoy the chef’s specialties and other Malaysian favourites!

▲ New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet

RM 168nett / adult

▲ New Year’s Day High Tea, 1 January 2019

RM 88nett / adult

A Splashful Countdown at Rooftop Poolside

Usher in the New Year with a huge splash! Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the poolside in Hilton

Kota Kinabalu’s first ever wet countdown party. Bring along your best swim wear and change

of clothes for that memorable year-end celebration. Slots are limited, so call us today to make

your reservation! 

Price: RM 88nett per person (includes two drinks)

For more details :

call +6088 356 000 

-or-

Email : kotakinabalu_fnb@hilton.com

Hilton Dining members enjoy up to 25% discount and selected credit cards enjoy 20% discount, except for Year-end Countdown Party at Rooftop Poolside.

Christmas with Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Celebrate Christmas in style with the most luxurious hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Pamper your loved ones with glorious food while spending quality time with them this festive season. Christmas dinner (or lunch...or high tea) in Kota Kinabalu just got better!  

Christmas Eve High Tea Buffet

Showcasing Malaysian dishes with hints of Christmas selections that is sure to impress both

domestic and international travelers alike. Fill up and get energized for that last minute

Christmas shopping or simply take a break and just enjoy the choices.

Price: RM 88nett per adult

Christmas Day Lunch Buffet

Spend the day relaxing with friends and family and enjoy an extensive buffet spread of local

and international selections such as roasted turkey and beef in the carvery section; lamb

Navarin, stewed seabass with clams and honey glazed chicken in the Western hot section;

vegetable biryani, butter chicken masala, lamb korma, vegetable dhall curry and Goan fish

curry in the Little India corner; beef rendang, sambal sotong, ikan masak lemak and grilled

chicken and beef satay in the Nusantara section; wok fried vegetable vermicelli, deep fried

chicken with lemon sauce, soy ginger braised beef and baby pak choy with mushrooms in

China Town section. Pescetarians will definitely enjoy the seafood on ice featuring fresh

salmon, octopus “Tako Sashimi” and yellow fin tuna.

Price: Rm 138nett per adult

Christmas Eve and Day Dinner Buffet

Features festive favourites such as roast turkey, roasted whole lamb and slow roast beef rump

accompanied with a myriad of condiments and sauces. Other specialties include black truffle

chicken and mushroom pie, barbecued beef brisket, cinnamon chicken with preserved lemon

and chick peas, oven baked salmon with cranberry and lemon crust, Rosemary-pecan mashed

sweet potatoes, mussel diavola and chicken giblet, and kidney beans pilaf rice.

Price: RM 168nett per adult

Festive Simplicity at Rooftop Poolside Bar & Grill

For something more relaxed, choose any of the seven specially crafted festive ala carte dishes

with prices starting from RM 22nett per dish. Signature dishes include smoked salmon

carpaccio, wood fire oven roasted turkey, duck confit and black cod. Available for lunch and

dinner on Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve.

For more information or to make a reservation, 

d: +60 88 356 305

f: +60 88 356 370

Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

www. KotaKinabalu.hilton.com

The Pantai Restaurant Reopens at Bungaraya Island Resort

Step into paradise in just 20 minutes from Jesselton Point, Kota Kinabalu

 the Bungaraya Island Resort is a tranquil nature resort for those 

who long for a relaxing getaway. 

With an amazing view of the wild Borneo sea 

and the hypnotizing symphony of nature's little critters and birds chirping around you, 

one cant help but completely let go of the stresses of the world in a matter of minutes. 

The Bungaraya Island Resort welcomes all to their brand new Pantai Restaurant and Grill. It was once a small yet charming beach side kitchen, has now become a full fledged 100 seater establishment. 

The Pantai Restaurant houses a bar, lounge, and dining area which is pretty good choice for an intimate event like weddings and anniversary dinners. Their brand new menu with hand crafted creations assembled by Head Chef Lung, under the mentorship of renowned culinary consultant Chef Friedrich Budde. The menu showcases western styled dishes with a distinct Asian touch. 

"We believe good food starts from good and wholesome ingredients, and this makes all the difference. All our dishes are made from farmed fresh organic herbs and vegetables, hybrid groupers, fresh prawns and meat." -Chef Budde, when asked what sets The Pantai apart from the rest. 

The Pantai Restaurant & Bar 

7am - 11pm Every Monday,Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

5.30pm -11pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

For private parties, dinners, celebrations or wedding receptions, 

please contact the Bungaraya Island Resort's Sales Department

T : +6088 380 390 

W : www.echoresorts.com/bungaraya

Pizza + Art = PIZZART is in Kota Kinabalu!

Anchor is mostly recognized by bakers and food enthusiasts 

for their world-class butter and milk.

 But did you know they also produce a wide array of cheeses and cream ? 

Fonterra’s leading dairy food services segment, Anchor Food Professionals celebrates the festive season with a lot of cheesiness by elevating the pleasures of pizza to a whole new level.

This PizzArt campaign takes the enjoyment of pizza a notch up by infusing global food trends into local favourites. With the meat-endowed-cheese-oozing PizzBurger as one of its main attraction, the other four pizza inventions created by Anchor Food Professionals include an ambitious all-meat-based UltiMeat Pizza, a spin on Chicago’s authentic Deep Cheese Pizza, a hearty Cheese Pretzza as well as delicate Pizza Rolls.

Speaking at the unveiling of the second PizzArt campaign in Kota Kinabalu recently, Director of Anchor Food Professionals Malaysia, Ms Linda Tan spoke about how the brand taps into their New Zealand-based research and going beyond their role as consultants to their partner restaurants and clients. She added that the team is always ready to take up the challenge of drawing inspiration from worldwide trends and adapting them locally to help their partners stay ahead of the culinary curve, using only the best dairy by Anchor. With AFP’s New Zealand based research and expertise, the team is able to help them achieve a competitive edge.

“We want to excite the market and take the enjoyment of pizza a notch up by infusing global food trends into local favourites. This round we are working with 18 outlets in Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia. In Kota Kinabalu, customers of The Chubs Grill and Mad Ben Café are in for a treat with these one-of-a-kind pizzas just in time for Chinese New Year,” said Ms Tan.

In Kota Kinabalu, The Chubs Grill (non-halal) will be introducing the Ultimeat (RM33.80 per pizza), Pizza Rolls (RM23.80 for 4 pieces) and Cheese Pretzza (RM28.80 for 3 pieces). Mad Ben Café will be introducing Ultimeat (RM45) and Pizza Rolls (RM18).

She added, “These inventive pizzas under PizzArt were conceptualized and created by our own Anchor Food Professionals’ Hot Cooking Chefs. These pizzas can only be made by kitchen crew with advanced culinary skills, and in restaurants with pizza ovens. 

Anchor Food Professional hopes to trail blaze the increasingly popular innovative pizza movement in Malaysia. The likely Malaysian favourite, PizzBurger features a succulent grilled minced meat patty stuffed with Anchor Mozzarella Shredded Cheese, Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese and baked in light crust with Anchor Butter. The Deep Cheese Pizza draws inspiration from the Chicago-authentic deep dish pizza, featuring an elevated layer of stuffing filled with creamy, delicious Anchor Shredded Mozzarella Cheese and Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese with a hearty Putanesca filling. The Pizza Roll oozes cheesiness with every bite as it’s stuffed with Anchor Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Anchor Shredded Parmesan Cheese and Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese, Masala meat and spinach – perfect for breakfast and as snacks. The wholesome UltiMeat Pizza ambitiously features a pizza base made entirely out of ground meat deep fried to crusty perfection before being baked with Anchor mixed cheeses on top, great for sharing with loved ones. The meat-filled Cheese Pretzza, as the name suggests, incorporates Anchor Cream Cheese, Anchor Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese and Anchor Extra Yield Cooking Cream into the dough before it is baked and served with a side of pizza dipping sauce.

The artisanal pizzas will be available :-

U Pizzeria in Subang, Selangor, 

Pizza House in Bandar Utama, Selangor, 

Pizza 185 in Bandar Puchong Jaya, Selangor, 

Havana in Changkat, Bukit Bintang, 

The Butcher’s Table in Petaling Jaya, 

US Pizza in Bayan Lepas & Georgetown, Penang and Bukit Mertajam, 

Mustard Sandwich House and

 Food & Desire in Ipoh, Perak, 

Temasek Hotel Café (Portugese Settlement Hotel) in Ujong Pasir, Melaka, 

Hungry Bear in Bukit Beruang, Melaka, 

Finale Kitchen Bar in Segamat Johor Bahru, 

The Chubs Grill and Mad Ben Café in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 

Osome Wood Fired Pizza in Kuching, Sarawak,

 Chillax Café & Bistro in Miri, Sarawak

 and Bistecca & Bistro in Sibu, Sarawak.

Try out their amazing creations at the outlet closest to you! 

Spread the love for everything pizza, art and Anchor with their up-and-coming hashtag 

#pizzart #AnchorFoodProfessionals